The band began when two friends, Jack Antonoff and Scott Irby-Ranniar, sharing a common love of music, began playing together. They busked in subways and alleyways in New York, and in 1999/2000 recorded a demo that garnered a large degree of record label interest. Despite the array of offers, the guys, now called Steel Train (after lyric in a Sublime song) eventually chose to sign with Drive Thru Records particularly drawn by the support but also artistic freedom the label offered.
In 2002, the band recorded their debut ep entitled 'For You My Dear,' recruiting Evan Winiker (formerly of NJ emo band Random Task) and Matthias Gruber to help with recording and touring. The two later became full members of the band, first Winiker (who was presented as a full member in the promotional pieces for that same ep, released in January 2003) and later Gruber, who joined with second guitarist Matthew Goldman to complete the band and create Steel Train.
Together the band went on to record the '1969' ep (a CD of cover versions of songs from that year that inspired the band and their sound), and their debut album 'Twilight Tales From The Prairies Of The Sun,' dropped a year later in 2005. In December of 2006 the band announced that they would be departing ways with Matthias Gruber (drums) and Matt Goldman (guitar) who chose to pursue other interests. The positions were filled by tour manager Daniel Silbert on guitar and Jon Shiffman on drums.
In 2009, the band left the Drive Thru label and in June of 2010 independently released their eponymously-titled third LP. Included in that release was a companion album, 'Terrible Thrills: Vol. I', consisting of covers and re-imaginings of each 'Steel Train' track by female artists, including Scarlett Johansson, Tegan and Sara, Holly Miranda, Alia Shawkat, Amanda Palmer, and Jack's sister Rachel Antonoff.
The band often polarizes opinions, mainly based around the fact that the style of rock they play is more 'classic' (Jack often jokes the band was "30 years too late"), yet people see them as very much a part of the emo/pop-punk scene (mainly due to their Drive Thru Records connections). They are well noted for their impressive live shows and 'jamming' ability.
The lead singer, Jack, also used to date Scarlett Johansson and the song Better Love off of Twilight Tales from the Prairies of the Sun is about/makes reference to her [1] [2]. Though Better Love is a song strictly about her, he also references her in "2 O'clock'" and "Dig". "Josie smiles and laughs, while me and Scarlett will smoke our hash." [3]and "oh, my scarlet you had a real friend in me."Lyrics
[edit] Current Members
* Jack Antonoff - Vocals, Guitar, Piano
* Evan Winiker - Bass, Backing Vocals
* Daniel Silbert - Guitar, Backing Vocals
* Jon Shiffman - Drums, Percussion
* Justin Huey - Keys
[edit] Past Members
* Matthias Gruber - Drums, Percussion
* Matthew Goldman - Guitar, Backing Vocals
* Scott Irby-Ranniar - Vocals, Percussion
[edit]
Alley Cat
Steel Train Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've seen you slide away
When you cannot hold me, then I saw
Colors that ruin your way
Taken what you are yeah you will get real far
But don't you know that I'm an Alley Cat
You know that I belong to that club you hate
Yeah we're doing just great
Running to your ends girl, when cracks line the words you say
High as the sky you seem so safe
So I'll take all the shame for you love
And you breathe what we make
Taken where you are my babe you should get really far
The lyrics of Steel Train's song "Alley Cat" tell the story of two people who have grown apart and are living very different lives. The singer is taking a new approach to life, leaving behind the questions of the past and moving forward. Meanwhile, the person they're singing about seems trapped in their current situation, unable to hold onto the singer and being ruined by the colors of their life. The singer seems to be telling this person that they still have hope for them to be successful, but their own life is different. They identify themselves as an "Alley Cat," someone who dreams their life away at home, and they belong to a club that this other person hates. However, the singer ends with the assurance that they are doing just great.
The themes of "Alley Cat" revolve around personal growth, relationships, and individuality. The singer and the person they're singing about have grown apart in their paths in life, while the singer seems to have embraced their own identity and individuality — regardless of whether this aligns with society's expectations. Meanwhile, the other person seems to be struggling and may feel stuck in their life. The imagery used in the song, such as the "colors that ruin your way" and the idea of being trapped in a situation, creates a vivid picture of the characters' lives and struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm taking new answers to questions of yesterday
I am changing my perspective on past events and seeking new solutions
I've seen you slide away
I have witnessed you drifting apart and distancing yourself
When you cannot hold me, then I saw Colors that ruin your way
When you were unable to keep up with me, your true colors were revealed and they led to your downfall
Taken what you are yeah you will get real far
If you embrace and showcase your true self, you will achieve great things
But don't you know that I'm an Alley Cat
I am a free-spirited individual who marches to the beat of my own drum
and I stay home and dream my life away
I spend my time imagining and envisioning my ideal life
You know that I belong to that club you hate
You are aware that I am a part of a group that you strongly dislike
Yeah we're doing just great
Despite your disapproval, our group is thriving and successful
Running to your ends girl, when cracks line the words you say
You are desperately trying to achieve your goals, even when your words are full of flaws and inconsistencies
High as the sky you seem so safe
You appear to be untouchable and invincible from your elevated place
So I'll take all the shame for you love
I will bear the burden and embarrassment of our relationship because of my affection for you
And you breathe what we make
You are addicted and dependent on the product of our relationship
Taken where you are my babe you should get really far
Embrace your current situation, my love, and you will achieve great success
Lyrics © HIPGNOSIS SONGS GROUP, Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: JACK ANTONOFF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind